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This peanut butter cup shot captures everything you love about the iconic candy in a sippable, creamy shooter that tastes like dessert in liquid form. The combination of Skrewball peanut butter whiskey, rich coffee liqueur, and smooth whole milk creates layers of flavor that mirror the chocolate and peanut butter experience everyone recognizes and craves. What makes this peanut butter cup shot truly special is the chocolate-rimmed glass and mini Reese's garnish that transform a simple mixed drink into a festive, eye-catching party treat people talk about long after the evening ends. With only five minutes of preparation and no cooking required, this indulgent little shot delivers maximum impact with minimal effort, making it the perfect addition to holiday gatherings, game day parties, or any celebration that deserves something sweet and fun.
I first made these peanut butter cup shots for a holiday cookie exchange party when I wanted to offer something unexpected alongside all the desserts everyone brought. The moment my guests saw those chocolate-rimmed shot glasses with the little candy garnishes lined up on a tray, cameras came out before anyone even tasted them. My friend Sarah, who insists she doesn't drink whiskey under any circumstances, took one hesitant sip and immediately asked me to make her another because she couldn't believe how much it tasted like liquid candy rather than alcohol. Now these shots appear at every gathering I host, and friends have started requesting them specifically when they hear I'm planning a party.
Shot Recipe Ingredients
- Skrewball peanut butter whiskey: Half an ounce per shot for the signature nutty base.
- Coffee liqueur: Half an ounce per shot to add depth and mimic chocolate notes.
- Whole milk: Half an ounce per shot for a creamy, smooth texture.
- Chocolate syrup or ganache: Used to coat the rim of the shot glass.
- Reese's Mini cups: One per shot for the essential candy garnish.
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Mixing Steps Explained
- Preparing Chocolate Rim
- Pour your chocolate syrup or prepared chocolate ganache into a small, shallow dish wide enough to accommodate the rim of your shot glass when turned upside down. Tilt the shot glass at a slight angle and slowly rotate the rim through the chocolate, coating it evenly around the entire circumference without letting chocolate drip too far down the sides. Lift the glass carefully and rotate it gently to let any excess chocolate distribute evenly rather than pooling on one side. Set the chocolate-rimmed glass upright on a clean surface and allow the coating to set for about two minutes until it becomes tacky rather than wet, which prevents the chocolate from running into your shot when you pour.
- Making Optional Ganache
- Heat your half cup of heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave until it just begins to simmer with tiny bubbles forming around the edges, being careful not to bring it to a full boil. Pour the hot cream over your half cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heat-safe bowl and let the mixture sit undisturbed for two to three minutes while the heat melts the chocolate beneath the surface. Whisk vigorously starting from the center and working outward until the cream and chocolate combine into one smooth, glossy, pourable ganache with no visible lumps or streaks. Let the ganache cool for about five minutes until it thickens slightly to a consistency that coats the glass rim without running off immediately.
- Pouring The Shot
- Measure half an ounce each of whole milk, coffee liqueur, and Skrewball peanut butter whiskey using a jigger or small measuring device for accuracy. Pour each ingredient directly into your prepared chocolate-rimmed shot glass, starting with the milk, followed by the coffee liqueur, and finishing with the peanut butter whiskey. The ingredients will combine naturally in the small glass, though you can give the gentlest stir with a toothpick if you want to ensure complete mixing before serving. The finished shot should look creamy and uniform in color with the chocolate rim creating a beautiful dark frame around the edge.
- Adding The Garnish
- Unwrap a Reese's Mini peanut butter cup and carefully thread a toothpick through the center or side of the candy without crumbling the chocolate shell. Balance the toothpick across the rim of the shot glass so the peanut butter cup sits at an attractive angle, slightly off-center for the most appealing visual presentation. Make sure the garnish rests securely enough that it won't topple into the drink before your guest has a chance to appreciate the full effect. The garnish serves both as decoration and as a complementary bite that guests can enjoy before, during, or after sipping their shot.
- Serving Immediately
- Present your finished peanut butter cup shot to your guests as soon as assembly is complete, since this drink tastes best when freshly mixed while the ingredients remain cold and the chocolate rim stays firm. If making multiple shots for a group, line them up on an attractive tray or serving board for maximum visual impact before anyone reaches for their glass. The creamy milk, rich liqueur, and smooth whiskey create the best flavor experience within the first few minutes of mixing before they begin to warm and separate. Encourage your guests to take a bite of the Reese's garnish alongside their sip for the full peanut butter cup experience.
I've always loved the way creative cocktails and shots can transform an ordinary gathering into something memorable and fun. The peanut butter cup shot falls into that category of drinks that people remember not just for how they taste but for how they look and the experience of drinking something that reminds them of their favorite candy. My family has a tradition of making themed shots for every holiday, from pumpkin pie shots at Thanksgiving to candy cane shots at Christmas, and this peanut butter cup version has become the undisputed champion that gets requested year-round. Watching someone taste this shot for the first time and seeing their eyes widen with recognition as the peanut butter and chocolate flavors register never gets old for me.
Batch Mixing Tips
Preparing peanut butter cup shots for a large group requires a slightly different approach than making individual drinks one at a time. Measure equal parts of all three ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice, shaking briefly to combine and chill everything without diluting the flavors too much with melted ice. Pour the chilled mixture into your pre-rimmed shot glasses in a steady stream, filling each one to the same level for consistent presentation. Having all your glasses rimmed and garnished before you begin pouring allows you to work efficiently and serve everyone at the same time for that impressive moment when the tray comes out.
Ganache Versus Syrup
Choosing between chocolate ganache and chocolate syrup for your glass rim depends on the occasion and how much preparation time you have available. Syrup works perfectly for casual gatherings, applying quickly and requiring no cooking or cooling time before dipping your glasses. Ganache creates a thicker, more luxurious coating that adheres better and looks more polished, making it worth the extra effort for special occasions or when you want to impress. The ganache recipe produces more than you need for rimming glasses, and the leftover makes a wonderful dipping sauce for fruit or drizzle for desserts.
Whiskey Flavor Notes
Understanding what makes Skrewball peanut butter whiskey work so well in this shot helps you appreciate the flavor combination more fully. This flavored whiskey uses real peanuts in the production process, creating authentic peanut butter flavor rather than artificial candy-like sweetness. The whiskey base remains subtle enough that even people who typically avoid spirits enjoy the smooth, dessert-like finish without any harsh burn. Several other brands now make peanut butter whiskey, and each has slightly different flavor profiles ranging from sweeter to more whiskey-forward that could change your final result.
Occasion Ideas Presented
These peanut butter cup shots create memorable moments at virtually any type of adult gathering where fun, creative drinks feel appropriate. Halloween parties pair perfectly with the candy theme since Reese's cups are among the most popular trick-or-treat candies. Holiday cookie exchange parties benefit from having a creative drink option alongside all the sweet treats everyone brings. Birthday celebrations, bachelorette parties, and casual Friday night gatherings all provide excellent opportunities to surprise your guests with these impressive little shooters.
Serving Tray Presentation
How you present your peanut butter cup shots affects the overall impact and excitement they generate when guests first see them. Arranging the shots on a dark-colored tray or wooden board creates contrast that makes the chocolate rims and candy garnishes pop visually. Scattering a few extra unwrapped Reese's Minis around the glasses on the tray adds to the theme and gives guests additional candy to enjoy. Placing the tray in a central location where everyone can see the full presentation before grabbing their glass maximizes the visual impact you've worked to create.
Flavor Twists Explored
Swapping the coffee liqueur for chocolate liqueur doubles down on the chocolate element and creates an even more candy-like flavor profile. Adding a tiny splash of cream instead of milk produces a richer, more indulgent texture that approaches dessert territory even further. Using white chocolate ganache for the rim instead of dark chocolate creates a different visual look and sweeter flavor contrast. For a frozen version during summer months, blend all the ingredients with ice and a scoop of vanilla ice cream to create a milkshake-style peanut butter cup cocktail.
Non-Alcoholic Version
Creating a mocktail version of this peanut butter cup shot lets everyone enjoy the flavor experience regardless of their drinking preferences. Replace the coffee liqueur with strong brewed espresso or cold brew coffee mixed with a touch of chocolate syrup for similar depth and richness. Substitute the peanut butter whiskey with two tablespoons of creamy peanut butter stirred into warm milk until completely dissolved, then chilled before pouring. The chocolate rim and Reese's garnish work identically in the non-alcoholic version, maintaining the full visual impact and candy experience.
Keeping Ingredients Ready
While these shots don't involve traditional storage or reheating, keeping your ingredients properly stored ensures the best quality whenever the craving strikes. Skrewball peanut butter whiskey stores beautifully in the freezer, where the alcohol content prevents it from actually freezing while staying perfectly cold for smooth sipping. Leftover chocolate ganache keeps in the refrigerator for up to one week and can be gently rewarmed in the microwave when you need to rim more glasses. Store your coffee liqueur at room temperature in a cool, dark cabinet where it maintains its flavor for months after opening.
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This peanut butter cup shot has become one of those recipes that defines my reputation as the person who always brings something creative and fun to every gathering. The recipe proves that impressive cocktails don't require bartending expertise, expensive equipment, or extensive ingredient lists to make people feel special and excited about what you've created. I've shared this recipe with countless friends who have all reported the same enthusiastic reactions from their own guests, which tells me the magic lies in the combination itself rather than any special skill on my part. Whether you're hosting a large party or simply treating yourself and a friend to something sweet on a quiet evening, this little shot delivers big joy in every chocolate-rimmed sip.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What is Skrewball whiskey?
- Skrewball is a peanut butter flavored whiskey that's become really popular for dessert cocktails. It tastes like creamy peanut butter with a whiskey kick. You can find it at most liquor stores.
- → Can I make this without alcohol?
- For a mocktail version, skip the whiskey and coffee liqueur and use chocolate milk with a splash of peanut butter syrup and a tiny bit of coffee or espresso for depth.
- → Do I have to rim the glass with chocolate?
- No, it's optional! The chocolate rim adds extra sweetness and makes it look fancy, but the shot tastes great without it too.
- → Can I make a batch for a party?
- Yes! Just multiply the recipe by however many shots you need and mix everything in a cocktail shaker. Pour into chocolate-rimmed shot glasses when ready to serve.
- → What can I use instead of coffee liqueur?
- Kahlúa is the most common coffee liqueur, but any brand works. If you don't have it, you could use a tiny splash of cold brew coffee, though the flavor won't be quite the same.
- → How sweet is this shot?
- It's pretty sweet, especially with the chocolate rim and Reese's garnish. If you want it less sweet, skip the chocolate rim or use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate.